Netanyahu Calls Out Violence by Settlers in West Bank Clashes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed strong disapproval of recent violent actions by settlers in the West Bank, specifically targeting the villages of Qusra and Jalud. This condemnation comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with a notable incident occurring on Saturday when dozens of settlers attacked Qusra.

Reports indicate that a group of settlers had previously blocked supplies to Palestinian homes in Qusra, trapping residents. On Saturday, as tensions boiled over, settlers stormed the village, hurling stones at locals and barricading themselves inside a home where Palestinians were present. In Jalud, the situation worsened when settlers assaulted a Palestinian family and a foreign media team.

Netanyahu described these acts as "criminal" and harmful not only to Palestinians but to the broader Jewish community and Israel's international reputation. He stated, "I strongly condemn the criminal acts of violence committed in the villages of Qusra and Jalud by a handful of rioters… interfering with the IDF in carrying out its missions." The Israeli military confirmed the presence of soldiers and border police in the area to manage the unrest and responded to reports of violence.

The ongoing conflict is underscored by a troubling history of settler violence against Palestinians, often without legal repercussions. As of October 2023, an AFP tally notes that over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank amid this unrest, while Israeli casualties have also been reported during military actions.

Source: www.france24.com